I called to pay.

I extended my mother and my sister’s luxury suite for two additional nights, on my own card, and I asked the delighted receptionist to make sure they wanted for nothing.

Thirty minutes later, my mother texted me, and I could feel her glowing through the screen. Thank you, sweetheart, she wrote. I knew you would understand.

Family comes first.

I typed back one sentence. Enjoy the room.

I did it for two reasons, and neither of them was mercy.